fasts and vrats
What is Apara Ekadashi versus Yogini Ekadashi—how do devotees distinguish between the many Ekadashis?
Each Ekadashi has its own identity
Every Ekadashi in the year has a unique name, falls in a specific month and phase of the moon, and is linked to a particular form of Vishnu and a story from the Puranas. Apara Ekadashi comes in one month, Yogini Ekadashi in another. The stories told about each one are different, and the spiritual benefit or purpose is seen as unique to that day. So Apara Ekadashi and Yogini Ekadashi are not the same fast kept on different days—they are two separate observances with their own meaning and history.
Where the names and stories come from
The Ekadashi Mahatmya texts, compiled in the Padma Purana and Skanda Purana, list all 24 Ekadashis and tell the story or teaching linked to each one. These texts give each Ekadashi its name, its month, and the reason it is kept. Over time, these became the standard way to know them apart.
How to track them in daily life
The easiest way to know which Ekadashi is which is to use a Panchang, the traditional Hindu almanac. A Panchang lists all the Ekadashis for the year with their dates and names. Many devotees also follow a printed Ekadashi calendar, often from their own tradition or temple. The Gaudiya Vaishnava calendar and ISKCON calendar are widely used and list all 24 Ekadashis in order. Some Ekadashis have different names in different regions, so checking your own tradition's calendar is helpful. Once you have the list, you simply look up the date as the year goes on. Many people also set phone reminders or follow their temple's announcements.
Why each one matters
Because each Ekadashi is linked to a different story and a different form of Vishnu, the tradition sees each one as an opportunity to connect with a particular teaching or blessing. Keeping track of which is which helps a devotee know what the day is about and what the practice is meant to deepen. It is not just about fasting on the right day, but about understanding the meaning of that particular day.